More NZ Fun

Well, it’s 13 January, and after four whole days, we’ve accomplished a lot.
On Sunday we bought our first kiwi car, a green 1992 Toyota Corona, 4-door hatchback, automatic (because it’s so hilly here), equipped with A/C, cruise, CD player, sunroof/moonroof, automatic locks/windows, and a deafening alarm system. It was the first car I’ve driven in NZ as until now Brandon has been doing all the driving and I’ve been his trusty navigator. I was a little, okay, a lot nervous, but it wasn’t nearly as scary as I predicted. It’s a little strange getting used to sitting on the right-hand side because it’s hard to gauge how wide the car is. I did kind of jump a curb just a little while driving around my first round-about (traffic circle). Also, the turning signal switch is on the right side and not the left, so I keep turning on my windshield wipers, but I’m sure I’ll get used to it. At least I haven’t crashed yet. Like Brandon. Yes, he drove right into the concrete-block wall surrounding our hotel. CRUNCH! And just like that we’ve got a dent—a big one—by our right-hand spot (headlight). He’s trying to make up for it right now by waxing the car with this $40 spray he was tricked into buying at the market yesterday. Be sure to harass him whenever you get the chance!
We met with our real estate agent today and confirmed our rental agreement for the cute one-bedroom three blocks from school. I’ll be posting pictures on facebook as soon as I get a chance. We’re thrilled to move in, even with our bare-bones supplies. We’ll be glad to get out of our small room at the Lodge. It’s extremely muggy and all my clothes feel damp. Thankfully, our new home has this system that de-humidifies the air and keeps things relatively dry. Oh, and for any of you interested in sending us letters, cards, sunscreen (it costs upwards around $25 for a regular sized bottle), or Kraft Dinner, our new address is:
#1 1063 Great North Road
Pt. Chevalier 1022
Auckland
New Zealand
And my phone number is:
(if dialing from a landline) 0064 21 660 308
(if dialing from a mobile) +64 21 660 308
It’s free for us to receive incoming calls, and some calling cards are as cheap as $10/1000 minutes. Just keep in mind the time difference, we are 20hrs ahead of Alberta time.
In other news, we’ve truly been amazed at the friendliness of kiwis. Here are a few examples:
Michelle, the woman we bought our car from, took us out to her balcony yesterday, hauled us on top of her patio table, and explained to us the view from there: the bay, Auckland central, One Tree Hill, the War Memorial, etc. She thought it would be easier for us to understand the city if we could see it. She also gave us a pot and two towels to get us started at our new home until our things arrive. She blew us away with her kindness.
Then, we were driving along when a cop on a BMW motorbike pulled up beside us. Brandon panicked and wondered what he was doing wrong, when in fact, the cop saw me with my map and wondered if we needed him to guide us somewhere. Of course, I had everything under control and didn’t need his help, but we were grateful for the offer.
Finally, the guy at the bank who set up our car insurance (which, by the way, costs $341 per year total!) told us about some ten cool hiking and sight-seeing destinations in and around Auckland. He even described the directions! So, if we weren’t already feeling all warm and fuzzy from all the kind people, we got to spend an evening with the Nichols and Amber and Dale, our new Canadian cum-kiwi friends.
Kevin and Cheryl Nichol are the pastor and wife from Peachland, B.C. Besides lavishing us with their hospitality, friendship, and a delicious BBQ, Cheryl lent us two foamies, a sheet, some blankets, as well as some plates, cups, bowls and cutlery. We played Cranium “Whoonu” to get to know each other better, and had some great conversation around the dinner table. We also got to meet two of their three daughters, Danae and Mackenzie, both of whom are delightfully charming.
Also at the BBQ was Amber and Dale, a B.C. couple who moved to NZ two months ago after spending a few years teaching English in China. Amber and I definitely have some things in common, and the boys, well, give them a rugby ball and they’ll bond in no time. We have plans to visit a beach together tomorrow, so that’ll be fun.
Well, that’s enough for now. We love to read your comments and feedback. We’ve been warned that over time people at home will forget about us, but we hope that’s not the case.
We love you all!